Arts and Leisure
Fidel Castro pitching at a 1959 baseball game
During the 1940s and 1950s Cuban art experienced a lot of change. Magical Realism became very popular, as new artists combined magical elements with the surrounding beauty of their country.
Music also played a large role in Cuban culture, particularly types that revolved around dance. The son was and is one of Cuba’s most popular music types. In the 1940’s the son was brought back to its African roots, adding instruments like the cowbell and the conga drum. Around the same time, a revolution in Latin jazz was formed, particularly by Cubans in New York City.
Sports were also important to Cuban culture, particularly baseball, which is considered to be their national sport. In October of 1946, the first baseball game at the new Grand Stadium del Cerro was played, and Fidel Castro himself pitched 1 inning before a professional game between the Sugar Kings and the Rochester Red wings in July of 1959.
In 1951, the first Pan American Games were held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The games were made up of several different sports, and over 2,500 athletes from 22 countries participated.
Music also played a large role in Cuban culture, particularly types that revolved around dance. The son was and is one of Cuba’s most popular music types. In the 1940’s the son was brought back to its African roots, adding instruments like the cowbell and the conga drum. Around the same time, a revolution in Latin jazz was formed, particularly by Cubans in New York City.
Sports were also important to Cuban culture, particularly baseball, which is considered to be their national sport. In October of 1946, the first baseball game at the new Grand Stadium del Cerro was played, and Fidel Castro himself pitched 1 inning before a professional game between the Sugar Kings and the Rochester Red wings in July of 1959.
In 1951, the first Pan American Games were held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The games were made up of several different sports, and over 2,500 athletes from 22 countries participated.
